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COMBINED OPERATIONS HEADQUARTERS

in association with

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY

present

OPERATION ‘DALESMAN’

Saturday 30 August and Sunday 31 August 2008

Come and experience the sights, sounds and humour
of Britain’s darkest days in a fabulous setting

featuring

• accurately restored trains & stations from the ‘Age of Steam’
• military (allied and axis) and civilian re-enactors; setting the scene and demonstrating the uniforms, equipment and fashions of the war years
• military vehicle displays
• specially recreated dioramas
• militaria collector’s fair
• and much, much more …
   

65 years ago the railways were vital to the survival of Britain in its fight against the Axis forces in the Second World War. Troops, munitions and equipment all travelled on tracks – from factories and training camps to the ports and battlefields of Europe and the Far East.

Wensleydale Railway was no exception during these dark days. In recognition of the part it played, Combined Operations (Sheffield) feel enormously privileged to be able to assist in mounting a new, major World War Two / 1940s living history event in 2008.

The event is envisaged to be educational, fun and, hopefully, serve as an active way to remember all who gave their lives (and futures) in the pursuit of a freer world. As well as helping those of you who might have school projects in September to get unique photos and information to amaze your friends.

Over the weekend, subject to confirmation, it is hoped that there will be a steam service on both days with an extended timetable to enable you, the travellers in time, to hop on or off services and sample all that will be going on at various places along the line.

The idea is to set up Leeming Bar, Bedale, Finghall and Leyburn as Allied stations, allowing visitors to see the troops, vehicles and equipment of the British, Commonwealth, American and Free-European forces.  Whilst there, visitors will also be able to experience the fashions and daily lives of civilians as they cope with rationing, movement restrictions and a country at war.

Shortly after leaving Leyburn the train will pass ‘no man’s land’. At Redmire, the emphasis will change and the station will portray German-occupied France and all that this meant across the Channel for four and a half long years. Here, as with the other stations, there will be the opportunity to see an Axis force encampment with authentic uniforms, (non-firing) weaponry and dioramas to help give an insight into the well equipped and trained army that dominated much of Europe, courtesy of the All Fronts Re-enactment Association.

Further events in the planning stages include the mounting of two 1940s dances at Bedale High School – on Friday and Saturday nights. Also, 11 am Sunday will see a church parade (somewhere along the line – exact location as plans progress – please watch this website for event details) to remember the sacrifices of those in wartime.

With the co-operation of the towns and villages, the railway and all the other supporters for this event, this promises to become a quality event and we invite you all to be with us for the start.

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES - WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY PLC
08454 50 54 74
admin@wrplc.fsnet.co.uk

SPECIALITY ENQUIRIES - COMBINED OPERATIONS SHEFFIELD
(1940’s Re-enactors, Vehicle Owners and Traders)
Alan Roberts, 83 Westminster Crescent, Sheffield S10 4EU
01142 307531 (7.30 pm - 9.30 pm ONLY)
E-mail: paul@combinedops.demon.co.uk

AXIS FORCES - ALL FRONTS RE-ENACTMENT ASSOCIATION
Karl Wall
c/o Paul Watson
paul@combinedops.demon.co.uk
07747 500260

Co-funded with the generous assistance of the National Lottery

Text courtesy of Combined Operations Sheffield